Holidays just aren’t complete until you veg out on the couch while watching a movie marathon. These cinematic siestas not only provide down time between festivities and the well-intentioned gorge fest, but they also give us the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.

For many, the Fourth of July has become known for hot dogs, transporting illegal fireworks over state lines, and sporty outfits in red, white, and blue. Nevertheless, fifth grade social studies taught us that the American Revolution was actually about rebellion against tyranny and victory over seemingly insurmountable odds.

To help celebrate Independence Day, tell us what movies will make your holiday list and best embody the spirit of revolution. If you don't want to dwell on dissent, your favorite patriotic films will also suffice. Let the fireworks begin!

"The Madness of King George" (1994): “His Majesty was all powerful and all knowing. But he wasn't quite all there.” – tagline of film (And, fact-based dramatizations suggest that revolution was the right choice for American colonists.)

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Not exactly the order I would have put them in if I had chosen your picks especially with the honorable mentions. But if you must have a Mel Gibson how about a movie about the war for independane, the Patriot, instead of a movie about 13th century Scotland? And Star Wars? Come on!

1. Animal House: "Was is it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"
2. The Matrix...I guess Matrix Revolutions would be more appropriate for the subject matter, but it sucks
3. History of the World...Part 1: "The peasants and revolting" "You said it, they stink!"
4. Rocky: "Do you believe America is the 'land of opportunity?'"
5. Pee Wee's Big Adventure: "You don't wanna get mixed up with a guy like me. I'm a loner, Dottie, a Rebel."

1776 – definately, yes a musical and itself has a number of historical inaccuracies.....but still one of the first times our founding fathers were portrayed as humans with all the warts. Plus the songs are great.

I guess everybody forgot about Ron Maxwell's movie "Gettysburg". Over 53,000 casualties in three days of bloody fighting which July 1st, 2nd and July 3rd, 1863. In the end 630,000 Americans would DEAD more than ALL other American wars put together.

"We're going to live on. We're going to survive. Today we celebrate our Indepedence Day!"– Bill Pullman as the President

Seriously? Independence Day doesn't make this list? Star Wars and Braveheart, two movies that have nothing to do with America, are on the list. But not Independence Day. A movie about the Fourth of the July (with aliens).

@ Paco, great acting skills aren't always necessary for a good action film. The same could be said for Arnold, but Teminator is not a lessor film for his lack of acting skills. Apart from that, brothers were not the heroes and protectors in films when I was growing up and going to the movies, so that alone is reason enough for me to watch this.

To me, there is only ONE holiday-must see-movie. And it's broadcast every year one one or more stations (also avail on DVD). Saw this in 8th grade during the Bicentennial in Boston (hey, it got us out of the classroom for a few hours). You saw the Broadway show, you've seen the movie. (Hey Broadway...how about a revival?). The movie?

Totally corny, not completely faithful to the facts, but absolutely perfect for the 4th of July! Will it be "unalienable" or "inalienable?" Mr. Adams will speak to the printer about it. Our family watches it every year.

THE classic Independence Day movie of all time is "Yankee Doodle Dandy" starring James Cagney. It is a biographical of George M. Cohan, composer of "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Over There", and "Give My Regards to Broadway".

"1776" Is The Fourth Of July to watch. It shows how difficult becoming an independent nation really was. Great play, wonderful movie. Mostly historically accurate with a few minor changes to the facts, Thank you TCM for showing it every year along with "Yankee Doodle Dandy". Every American should see "1776" at least once.

You must be proud of your country that is full of corruption at every corner... even cops have sold their souls to the drug lords... yeah, like the commenter above me said, I am not worried. You guys can't even take care of yourselves... who's to say you can take us on?